THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


The 

Star  of  Gold 

And 
Other  Poems 

Eva  ASHLEY  Parslow 


THE  STRATFORD  COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 

BOSTON,  MASSACHUSETTS 


Copyright  1921 

The  STRATFORD  CO.,  Publishers 
Boston,  Mass. 


The  Alpine  Press,  Boston,  Mass.,  U.  S.  A. 


I  dedicate  this  book  °f  Verse  to  my  sister, 


whose  life  has  always  been  to  me  an  in- 
.  spiratlon  and  joy. 


Contents 

The  Star  of  Gold  .        .  .        .  ;  .      1 

Singing          .    •     .         .-  '.*.'..  ,  ;      3 

Sojourners     .                 .  .        .  .  i '   '  4. 

The  Island  of  Cytherea  .        .  *  .      5 

The  Parting  of  the  Ways  .        .  .  .      7 

In  Mid  May          .        .  .        .  .8 

Summer's  Moods  .        .                 .  .  ..9 

Transformation     .        .  .        .  .  .10 

The  Well-Springs  of  Life  .        ...  .12 

To  Mother     .        .        .  .        .  .  .     14 

In  the  Attic          ...        .  .  .     16 

Love-Chains  .        .        .  .  .19 

In  Memoriam        .         .                  .  .  .     21 

One  Fateful  Night         .  .        .  .  .24 

The  Long  Voyage          .  .        .  .  .25 

Reflections     .        .        .  .        .  .  .26 

My  Prayer    .         .         .  .         .  .  .29 

Fortune      ';.-.         .         .  .         .  .  .     30 

The  Unsinkable  Ship  of  Democracy  .  .     33 

Facing  the  Future        .  •  .        .  (.  .     35 

From  Pacific  to  Atlantic  ...  .  .37 

After  Many  Years         .  .        .  .  .40 

Father's  Day         .        .  ."....     42 

A  Bachelor's  Song        .  .        .  .  .43 


CONTENTS 

Recollections 45 

The  Mohawk         .        .        .        ...    47 

Flag  Day  and  the  Mohawk  Heroes        .        .     50 
Utica's  Pageant    .        .        .        .        .        .52 

Jamestown  College        .        .        .        .        .     57 

Pictures  from  College  Hill    .        .        .        .58 

Prairie  Flowers     .        .  .        .        .60 

Life's  Storms  61 


The  Star  of  Gold 

AS  deep'ning  shadows  gathered  in  the  east 
All  eyes  were  turned  to  watch  on-coming 
gloom, 

The  din  of  battle  sounded  from  afar, 
And  hearts  were  strained  to  meet  impending 
doom. 

Swift  through  the  dark  and  all-encircling  clouds, 
Insistent  as  a  voice  in  troubled  tones  — 

Appealing  to  the  very  souls  of  men  — 

There  came  faint  echoes  of  those  dying  moans. 

We  pictured  stricken  France  and  heroes,  brave ; 

Hushed    were    we    in    deepest    thought    and 

reverie. 
We  caught  the  look  of  anguish,  the  appeal 

To  God  to  spare  their  lives  if  it  might  be ! 

The  supplication  grew,  at  last,  more  faint: 
"Not  my  will  but  Thine,  oh  Thou  my  Guide." 

The  echo  died  away  —  our  heads  were  bowed ; 
Then    came    the    echoing  —  "Lord    with    me 
abide." 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


The  picture  changed.    Those  crimson  fields  were 
kissed 

By  sunset  skies.    Alas,  the  day  was  done. 
Night  settled  down  upon  that  hero  band  — 

Some  living,  some  their  earthly  course  now  run. 

Then,  as  our  heads  were  lifted,  we  beheld 

Bright  gleaming  thru  the  distant,  silent  night, 

A    golden    star    which    seemed    to    speak    this 

message : 
' '  Be  not  dismayed.  Trust  on,  all  will  be  right. ' ' 

And  now  the  stars  all  seemed  to  sing  together  — 
A  chorus,  like  that  sacred  song  of  old ; 

" Peace  comes  at  last.     Weep  not;  your  fallen 

hero 
Will  lead  you  onward  thru  his  Star  of  Gold." 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Singing 

DID  you  ever  note  the  singing 
Of  the  birds  before  the  rain  ? 
Hear  the  zephyrs  waft  the  echo 
Of  a  plaintive  soft  refrain? 
There 's  a  meaning  deep  and  hidden 

In  the  voice  before  the  storm, 
It  is  Prophecy  and  Promise 
Taking  on  a  subtle  form. 

We  are  told  the  lark's  first  song  notes 

Were  begun  as  notes  of  pain; 
So  the  singing  may  be  sighing 

When  it  comes  before  the  rain; 
But  if  sighing  can  be  singing 

Why  not  every  body  sing ! 
Sing  before  the  storm  and  after  — 

And  watch  DISCONTENT  take  wing ! 


[3] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Sojourners 

JUST  a  wave  of  the  hand  and  a  smile 
As  we  sojourn  together  to-day, 
Will,  perhaps,  cheer  some  heart  for  awhile 

Or  may  possibly  brighten  the  way 
That  seems  dark  to  another  —  the  while. 

Just  a  look  that  is  kind,  a  bright  smile 

That  speaks  straight  to  the  soul  of  a  fellow, 

May,  perchance,  a  few  sunbeams  beguile 
Into  ways  that  will  soften  and  mellow 

Some  heart  hardened  thru  misery  or  trial. 

Just  a  word  that  is  kind  and  a  smile ! 

How  much  happier  we  would  be — one  and  ail- 
As  we  journey  together  —  awhile, 

And  at  last  answer  ' '  here ' '  to  the  Call 
That  will  claim  us  an  infinite  while. 


14J 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


The  Island  of  Cytherea 

THERE 'S  an  Island  of  Cytherea, 
Earthly  paradise  we  name  it. 
'Tis  the  home  of  many  lovers 

Who  are  young  and  fancy-free ; 
Young  and  fair  and  filled  with  music 

From  the  flute  of  one-Pied  Piper, 
And  the  notes,  revibrant  ever, 
Are  by  myriad  voices  sung. 

Nor  can  we  choose  but  follow 

For  the  music  throws  a  glamour, 
And  the  cadence,  all-pervading, 

Is  like  fragrance  from  the  rose. 
Nor  does  it  change,  this  island, 

Its  enchantment  thrills  unceasing, 
And  the  river  leading  to  it 

Swift,  compelling,  dancing  flows. 

Happy  they  who  have  this  journey 

Still   before   them  —  land   of   romance 
Who  would  not  embark  with  pleasure 
To  rehearse  the  echoing  song? 

[5] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


If  we  could  with  youth's  loved  comrade 

Through   yon   halcyon   groves   now   wander, 

We  would  linger  by  the  river, 

Tarry  there  the  whole  day  long. — 

Till  some  gondolier  might  sight  us, 

Row  us  to  that  magic  island 
0  'er  the  spacious  sea  of  ether 

Toward  the  gleaming  of  the  light ; 
And  beyond  with  mirth  enraptured, 

Flinging  to  the  clouds  all  sadness, 
We  would  reach  empyreal  borders 

Guided  by  our  starlit  sight. 

Cherished  Island  of  Cytherea, 

I  am  with  thee  in  my  dream-world, 
And  thy  zephers  waft  a  perfume 

Like  the  breath  of  bridal  wreaths. 
Life  now  calls  me  to  new  duties 

But  the  melodies  still  cheer  me, 
And  thy  memory,  constant  ever, 

Strength  into  my  life-blood  breathes ! 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


The  Parting  of  the  Ways 

MISS  Spring  comes  joyously  tripping  along, 
Filling  the  earth  with  laughter  and  song. 
Her  raiment  is  bright,  artistic  and  new, 
All  sparkling  with  jewels  and  glittering  with 

dew. 

She  casts  furtive  glances  toward  her  late  swain ; 
How  Winter  regrets  this  fair  maiden 's  disdain ! 
Jack  lingered  at  length  in  his  cold,  austere  mood 
And  on  Miss  Spring's  time  seemed  inclined  to 

intrude. 

But  no  doubt  she  will  show  her  admirer  yet 
She 's  quite  independent — like  a  true  suffragette ; 
She  will  win  the  whole  world  by  her  mild,  gentle 

ways 
And  hobnob  with  Summer,  through  the  coming 

bright  days. 


[7] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


In  Mid  May 

WITH  magical  splendor  and  mystical  charm 
All  Nature  proclaims  May  her  Queen ; 
Then  decks  her  with  garlands  —  bright- jewelled 

and  rare, 
And  grey-veils  the  beauteous  scene. 

We  tread  on  her  carpet  —  so  verdant  and  soft, 

All  cares  disappear  as  we  sing. 
We  sip  the  sweet  nectar  from  chalice  of  bloom, 

And  welcome  the  glad  smile  of  Spring. 

We  turn  to  the  byways  with  clover  o'er-grown, 

Recalling  the  Mays  of  our  youth, 
And  tho'  a  faint  perfume  regales  us  again, 

Still,   something  seems  lacking  —  forsooth ! 

Perhaps  'tis  an  Absence  that  cannot  be  filled  ; 

Then  breezes  blow  gently  and  cry : 
"Remembrance    shall    lose    neither    magic   nor 
charm 

Tho'  the  springtime  of  youth  has  passed  by." 


[8] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Summer's  Moods 

IN  the  plumage  of  her  sister, 
With  assurance  of  her  own, 
Summer  leaves  Miss  Spring,  rejoicing, 
Northward  she  proceeds  alone. 

Unlike  spring,  whose  gentle  zephyrs 
"Were  as  welcome  as  her  May, 

She  will  rage  and  storm  unbridled, 
Soon  her  mother  earth  she'll  sway. 

But  without  her  tear-bathed  landscapes 
How  could  summer's  roses  bloom? 

Ah !  there 's  brightness  back  of  darkness, 
Radiance  follows  after  gloom! 

Summer's  moods  are  like  our  fancies, 
Now  we  weave  with  threads  of  gold, 

Then  again  we  weave  the  shadows — 
Both  but  help  our  lives  unfold. 


[9] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Transformation 

O,  beauteous  morn,  with  every  tree  and  shrub 
Bedecked  with  brightest  crystals — beau 
teous  snow ! 

Which  man  frath  tried  in  vain  to  imitate 
By  artist's  brush  or  alchemist's  wondrous  art, 
But  which  compared  to  nature 's  matchless  skill 
Fails  to  inspire  the  thought  or  thrill  the  heart 
With  rapturous  joy,  such  as  those  proudly  know 
Who  look  upon  a  glistening,  gladdening  scene 
Some  Winter's  morn,  with  every  branch  white- 
capped, 

Resplendent  with  the  touch  of  master  stroke, 
And  ask,  Whence  cometh  this?    Prom  out  yon 

space 

Illumined,  darkened  both  in  needful  turn? 
Just  as  our  life  by  sun  and  shower  expands, 
By  joys  and  sorrows  crystalizing  power 
We  are  evolved  into  a  nobler  life. 
And  now  we  ask,  where  goeth  all  too  soon 
These  panoramic  pictures — varying  forms  ? 
Are  they  forever  lost  when  changed,  and  live 

[10] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


But  in   the   memory?     No.     Though   they're 

transformed, 

Else  eyes  would  grow  bedimmed  and  lusterless, 
For  naught  remains  untouched  by  magic  wand. 
Aye — mountain  peak  and  ocean's  wave-washed 

shores, 
Earth,    star-lit    sky — all    speak    of   marvelous 

change. 

Without  it,  ah !  without  transforming  force, 
As  we  are  but  a  part  of  one  great  whole, 
Monotony  would  reign  in  place  of  growth, 
THERE 'D  BE  NO  EVOLUTION  OF  THE  SOUL. 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


The  Well-Springs  of  Life 

HOPE'S   beacon  leadeth   on   from   day  to 
day,  anon  • — 
Through  all  the  changing  scenes  of  life  her 

brightness  gleams. 
If  Hope  should  disappear  from  Earth's  broad 

realms,  we  fear 

This  great  Humanity  would  fail  and  cease  to 
be. 

When  disappointments  come,  or  one,  perchance, 

has  some 
Misfortune  he  must  bear;  when  sorely  tried 

with  care, 
And  when  the  world  seems  cold,  Hope  comes 

with  joys  untold ! 

Before  her  shrine  we  11  pay  our  homage  —  day 
by  day. 

But  when   clouds   intervene,   or  shadows  steal 

between 
Man    and    fond    Hope,    Love    sits    near    with 

radiant  light,  to  cheer 

[12] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


The  heart,  which  seems  congealed  by  sorrow,  un- 

revealed 

To  other  eyes,  perhaps,  when  grief  the  life- 
blood  saps. 

0  Love,  thou  art  a  boon  to  all  mankind ;  for  soon 
Life's  dusk  would  deepen  into  night  without 

thee;  tho'  thy  light 

At  times  seems  but  to  lure,  'twill  brighten,  re 
assure, 

Lead  on  and  help  us  meet  both  victory  and 
defeat. 


THE  STAB  OF  GOLD 


To  Mother 

OF  bygone  days  I'm  thinking 
And  a  tender  glowing  light 
Centers  around  a  hearthstone, 

Like  clustering  stars  of  night, 
And  reflects  my  mother's  figure 

In  her  old  accustomed  place. 
I  can  feel  her  gentle  presence 

As  though  we  were  face  to  face. 
She  seems  to  be  reading  a  letter 

From  some  one  who  is  dear, 
For,  falling  upon  the  paper 

Is  a  sympathetic  tear. 
Yes,  the  missive  is  from  a  loved  one 

Who  tells  of  a  grief  all  her  own ; 
And  mother's  quick  thought  sends  answer, 

"Dear  child,  you  are  not  alone; 
Let  me  help  you  bear  the  burden 

As  I  Ve  done  many  times  before. ' ' 
And  rising,  she  enters  her  chamber, 

Then  softly  closes  the  door. 
In  my  reverie  I  enter  with  her, 

[14] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


And  stand  by  her  sacred  chair.    * 
But  I  cannot  describe  the  pathos 

In  the  voice  of  mother's  prayer! 
I  steal  away  in  silence 

For  the  place  is  holy  ground ; 
But  my  heart  is  a  thousand  times  lighter 

And  somehow  peace  is  found. 
Ah !  when  memory  turns  to  mother 

The  pathway  is  always  bright. 
For  her  eyes  reflect  a  radiance, 

Tis  the  glow  of  mother-love  light. 


[is] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


In  the  Attic 

LET  us  softly  open  the  attic  door, 
And  tiptoe  across  the  room, 
For  the  ghosts  of  other  years  are  there  — 

The  old  spinning  wheel,  the  loom  — 
And  hundred  and  one  odd  heirlooms,  rare; 

Dust-laden,  perhaps,  and  passe, 
But  they  speak  a  language  we  understand 
And  echo  the  far  away. 

Let  us  open  once  more  the  old  cedar  chest 

"With  its  treasures  quaint,  untold; 
With  its  relics  of  by-gone  happy  years 

And  its  stories  a  century  old. 
We  fondly  kneel  by  the  time-honored  trunk, 

And  with  gentle,  loving  hands, 
We  lift  the  cover,  as  ancestors  did, 

For  reverence  this  chest  commands.: 

We  peep  here  and  there  in  the  close  packed  tills, 
With  their  lavender  scent  long  gone, 

[16] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Untying  ribbons  long  ago  faded, 

Around  parcels,  one  by  one. 
Here  a  bit  of  lace  from  a  wedding  gown, 

Creamy  by  reason  of  age, 
And  here  a  package  of  letters,  we  find, 

Shall  we  read  them  page  by  page? 

Ah !  somehow  they  seem  far  too  sacred, 

Let  them  keep  their  secrets,  old! 
We  can  read  enough  of  the  story 

From  this  box  with  its  relics  of  gold. 
Some  one  placed  them  here  —  mute  reminders  — 

When  love  cherished  every  one ; 
A  broken  bracelet,  an  earring,  a  brooch, 

With  its  once  glistening  gem  long  gone. 

Then  we  find  tiny  shoes  and  wee  dresses, 

Here  a  sprig  of  mignonnette ; 
There  are  photos,  books  and  dear  old  songs, 

We  can  hear  the  melody  yet ! 
' '  But  why  should  we  keep  these  longer  ? "  we  ask, 

Then  a  cadent  note  reproves, 
We  re-tie,  refold  and  re-place  them, 

Though  the  voice  but  a  phantom  proves. 

'Tis  Remembrance  hovering  around  them  still, 
Keeping  vigil  through  the  years, 

[17] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Guarding  these  keepsakes  another  may  prize, 

And  turning  mirth  into  tears. 
"We  reverently  close  the  cover  and  leave, 

Breathing  a  prayer  that  some  day 
This  vigil  will  still  watch  over,  with  care, 

The  treasures  we  lay  away. 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Love-Chains 

FOND  memory  wakes,  bringing  to  view 
The  scenes  of  bygone  days; 
The  pictures  gleam  with  love-chains 

Varied  as  sunset  rays. 
Parental  love  entwined  each  heart 

With  links  of  purest  gold, 
Tried  by  the  test  of  effort,  brave, 
Unsung,  unknown,  untold! 

And  Brother  love,  like  Sister  love, 

Untiring,  smoothed  the  path ; 
It  bore  us  above  the  rugged  steeps 

And  replete  is  the  aftermath. 
Then  Friendship  links,  like  coral  reefs, 

Taking  on  many  forms, 
Brightened  our  days,  as  the  moon  the  night, 

Or  sustained  us  through  life's  storms. 

And  the  Sweetheart  chain,  with  its  links  of  song 

And  story  we  love  so  well ; 
How  we  followed  Cupid  where  'er  he  led, 

Though  the  destiny  none  could  tell. 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


We  soared  away  to  happy  realms, 
And  we  found  the  paths  of  Dream ; 

But  wherever  the  way,  the  Mother-love 
Followed  on  —  like  a  silvery  stream. 

Yes,  it  gladdened  our  hearts  in  childhood, 

And  soothed  us  when  we  were  distressed : 
It  watched  us  through  the  devious  ways, 

Ah!  the  Mother-love  knows  no  rest. 
Maternal  love  is  undying  love, 

Thrice  blest  that  adorable  gift! 
'Tis  a  chain  that  grows  strong  through  sacrifice, 

Its  strength  is  its  power  to  uplift. 


[20] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


In  Memoriam 

Lines  on  the  sinking  of  the  "Titantic" 
April  fourteenth,  Nineteen  hundred  and  twelve 

THOUGH  warning  came  of  drifting  floes  of 
ice, 

Majestically  the  great  " Titanic"  hurried  on. 
The  day  had  passed  —  night  settled  o  'er  the  sea, 
The  very  stars  kept  vigil   'long  the  way, 
Lest  on  her  maiden  voyage  some  danger  lurked 
Unseen  and  unexpected.    Icebergs,  vast, 
Perchance  might  cross  her  path  and  cripple  her ; 
But  no,  this  could  not  be,  for  she  was  staunch, 
Like  a  leviathan,  and  built  indeed 

To  battle  with  the  elements  and  sea. 
*    *     * 

Thus  thought  the  Captain,  brave,  whose  heart 

now  thrilled 

With  expectation  mingled  with  regret, 
For  this,  he  said,  must  be  the  last  great  ship 
He  would  command ;  this  his  last  trip ! 
For  forty  years  he'd  sailed  the  mighty  sea 
Unharmed,  and  thereby  won  applause  of  men, 

[21] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


But  soon  he  must  heroically  retire 

For  age  was  creeping  on  and  he  must  rest. 

*  *     * 

'Twas  thus  his  reverie  ran.    Remembrance  woke, 
But  while  he  planned  —  Fate  wrought  her  stern 

decree ; 

His  Queen  was  wounded  mortally  that  night. 
A  monstrous  berg,  gigantic  and  undreamed, 
Pierced  with  its  hidden  fangs  this  ship  of  steel 
All  laden  with  its  precious  human  freight 
And  bent  her  bow  into  the  waters  dread. 
The  scenes  that  followed  pen  cannot  depict. 
The  Captain,  passengers,  and  sturdy  crew 
Appalled,  with  but  a  single  thought  well  knew 
The  craft  was  doomed  and  they  by  anguish  torn 
Waited  their  fate.  Could  they  dare  hope  for  life  I 
The  angry  sea  about  them  filled  with  ice 
And  not  another  ship  to  reach,  perhaps ! 
Women  and  men — twenty-three  hundred  souls — 
Now  prayed  as  they  had  never  prayed  before 

For  help  and  strength  to  meet  approaching  doom. 

*  «     * 

Swift  through  the  air  their  signal  of  distress 
Sped  on  its  way,  to  be  caught  up,  thank  God, 
By  the  "Carpathia"!    In  quick  response 
She  sent  a  message  back ;  then  turned  at  once 
To  rescue  and  to  save  —  if  save  she  could. 

[22] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Meantime  the  lifeboats  lowered  from  the  fated 

ship. 

The  impulse  known  as  the  divine  in  man 
Came  forth  to  glorify  the  tragic  hour, 
For  men  gave  place  to  women,  martyr-like ! 
' '  Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee, ' '  Love  now  cried, 

"  Whitherso-ever  thou  goest  I  will  go !" 

*  *     # 

Could  any  tongue  describe  that  agony  — 

As  hundreds  of  the  weak  were  bravely  launched  ? 

That  parting  from  their  loved  ones  —  stout  hearts 

rung 

In  cruel  grief  and  anguish  all  their  own  — 
Some  to  be  rescued,  some  to  meet  their  doom 
With  the  old  Captain  and  his  Queen  of  Ships. 
One  thousand  and  six  hundred  souls  went  down 
When  this  proud  Titan  plunged  into  the  deep, 
Wealth  clasped  the  hand  of  Poverty,  and  Death 

Beckoned  them  on  into  their  watery  tomb ! 

*  #     * 

And  as  the  morning  light  broke  o  'er  the  scene  — 
The   world,   bowed   with    its   grief   and    dread 

despair, 

Asked  of  the  silent  deep :  "What  can  it  mean, 
Is  this  the  ransom  fate  demands  of  Speed?" 
And  from  her  depths  a  sighing  echo  came: 
' '  Let  Prudence  and  fair  Science  lead  thee  forth ! ' ' 

[23] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


One  Fateful  Night* 

E'ER  Nineteen  Twelve  had  passed 
From  spring  to  summertime. 
Her  history  was  carved  in  letters  fast — 

A  page  sublime ! 
For  though  disaster  dread  and  unsurpassed, 

A  sheath  of  sorrow  over  two  worlds  spread, 
And  darkness  cast — 

Still  shone  there  through  it  all, 

A  wondrous  light ! 
Above  the  tragedy  and  funeral  pall, 

Transcending  bright — 
A  torch,  held  by  the  strong, 

In  their  last  earthly  fight, 
Proclaimed  their  chivalry. 

Appeased  their  wrong, 
One  fateful  night. 


*This  poem  was  written  with  the  sinking  of  the  Titanic 
in  mind,  and  the  chivalry  of  the  men  who  gave  place  to 
women. 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


The  Long  Voyage* 

TESTED  and  tried  by  life's  receding  care 
I  lay  me  down  to  rest  —  all  unaware 
Of  where  I  shall  awake ;  but  this  I  know 
Peace  pilots  me  and  leads  wher'er  I  go. 

Peace,  bending  low,  repeats  with  accent  clear 

A  glad  refrain  into  my  list'ning  ear, 

The  words  are  these:  "You've  tried  to  do  your 

best. 
Fear  not.  I  'm  with  you  now.  Be  not  distress  'd. ' ' 

Peace  bids  me  come.    Let  no  one  challenge  me ! 
As  I  embark  upon  the  untried  sea 
I  '11  say  farewell  with  neither  sigh  nor  moan, 
Knowing  full  well  Peace  fears  not  the  Unknown. 


*This   was   published   on   the   death   of   Mayor   Gaynor   of 
New  York,  wb>  died  at  »ea,  1913. 


[25] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Reflections 

O,  the  mystery  of  life ! 
Like    the    gathering,    deep'ning    dusk   of 
night 

It  veils  our  sight;  o'erwhelms  us  and  becomes 
The  deeper  still  as  earth  unfolds  her  marvels. 
The  finite  mind  can  comprehend  so  little 
Of  the  revolving  orbs  or  Infinite, 
That  we  're  compelled  to  say : ' '  We  do  not  know. ' ' 
'Twere  futile  to  attempt  by  human  means 
To  even  explain  a  cell,  or  whence  it  came. 
Yet,  somehow  in  the  heart  of  every  one 
There  lives  the  hope,  that  he  may  understand 
The  mystery  of  Life  and  Death  and  all 
That  forms  the  Universe  —  so  great,  so  vast 
That  our  intensest  thought  is  subt'ly  dulled 
When  we  attempt  to  solve  it  in  our  way. 
#     #    # 

It  seems  unknowable ;  but  as  there 's  born 
Within  us  apprehension  of  our  fate, 
We  spend  long  hours  in  wond'ring,  striving 
In  vain,  to  know ;  for,  all  unseen,  there  comes 

[26] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


To  interpose  between  our  mind's  dim  eye 
And  the  Great  Cause,  oblivion 's  mystic  veil, 
As  tho'  to  teach  anew  our  limitations. 

*  #     * 

But  there 's  enough  that  we  may  know  full  well : 
To  live  for  others  not  alone  for  ours, 
Would  make  this  world  a  better  place  for  man ; 
That  there  is  scarcely  any  deed  one  does 
But  that  its  influence  acts  and  then  reacts 
Upon  some  other  brain  —  like  dew  absorbed 
And  then  dispensed  again ;  and  thus  it  is 
That  a  kind  action  travels  on  and  on 
Through  boundless   Time;  no  one  would  dare 

attempt 

To  measure  or  compute  the  good  resulting 
From  it ;  but,  likewise,  none  can  know 
The  harm  or  grief  which  follows  in  the  train 
Of  a  wrong  action ;  and  although  the  one 
Who  did  it,  may,  perchance,  repent,  'tis  done 
And  on  its  way  is  sent  through  countless  days 
To  leave  its  imprint  on  the  minds  of  men. 

*  *     * 

Should  we  not  then  learn  well  the  patent  fact : 
That  as  we  live  aright,  we  live  to  be 
Immortal  in  our  good ;  if  wrong,  alas ! 
Immortal  in  the  influence  of  those  deeds. 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


And  if  the  soul  reflects  the  inner-self, 
And  lives  to  make  or  mar  our  lives  and  others, 
Should  \ve  not  early  learn  to  follow  Christ? 
Not  for  ourselves  alone,  but  all  mankind. 
For  thus  the  spirit  can  evolve  and  grow 
Until  it  find  itself  at  one  with  God. 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


My  Prayer 

OH  constant  source  of  Truth  and  Light  di 
vine, 

Direct  thy  rays  into  this  heart  of  mine ; 
Search  in  its  deep  recesses,  keep  it  pure, 
And  there  shall  follow  blessings  rich  and  sure. 

Oh  Light  within  my  soul,  direct  my  life ; 
Keep  me  from  malice  in  this  world  of  strife. 
Oh  Light  of  Justice,  guard  this  heart  of  mine ; 
Teach  me  thy  law  is  purest  love  divine. 

If  adverse  winds  should  turn  my  course  from 

Thee, 

Let  not  my  bark  be  lost  on  sorrow's  sea; 
Take  Thou  the  helm,  Oh  Father,  pilot  me, 
Oh  Star  of  Hope,  guide  Thou  my  destiny ! 


[29] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Fortune 

REPUTATION    watched    with    Virtue    for 
their  fortune 

To  change  into  a  new  and  brighter  day ; 
They  had  hoped,  and  longed,  and  waited  for  the 

turning, 
Until  they  'd  grown  despondent  'long  the  way. 

There   were   times   when   life   seemed   scarcely 

worth  the  living; 

When  ambition,  faith  and  hope  seemed  to  de 
part; 

But  hope  was  first  to  cheer  them  by  returning, 
And  the  load  was  slowly  lifted  from  the  heart. 

Then   they   pondered   on   the   outlook   for   the 

future ; 

There  was  but  a  ray  of  light  to  lead  them  on ; 
But,  'twas  that  one  ray  alone  which  helped  them 

venture 
Up  the  craggy,  rugged  road  they'd  started  on. 

[30] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Reputation  said,  "Don't  lose  me,  0,  my  sister, 

If  you  miss  me  for  a  moment  I  am  lost. 
Keep  me  near  you;  don't  desert  me,  best  of 

sisters, 

While  upon  the  Sea  of  Life  our  barks  are 
tossed. 

"I  know  pleasure,  fame  and  wealth  are  well 

worth  winning, 

In  the  race  upon  this  ball  we  call  the  earth ; 
But  these  things  are  a  mere  hindrance,  if  the 

gaining 
Means  a  sacrifice  of  honor  or  of  worth. 

"We'll  strive  ever  to  live  nobly,   and,  hence 
forward, 

To  aid  others  who  are  weary  or  depressed ; 
'To  be  true  to  one's  own  self  —  Ah!  that's  the 

secret, 
Which  gives  to  life  its  sparkle  and  its  zest. ' ' 

Virtue  said, ' '  Yes,  that  alone  repays  the  striving, 
For  a  pleasure  shared  becomes,  at  once,  twice 
dear; 

What  would  our  cosmos  be  if,  along  the  byways, 
We  should  fail  to  carry  friendliness  or  cheer  ? ' ' 


THE  STAB  OF  GOLD 


Thus  good  fortune  is  assured,  for,  with  right 
living, 

Comes  a  wealth  of  peace  which  truly  is  sublime ; 
And  kind  effort  finds  no  limit,  but,  like  sunshine, 

It  radiates  and  spreads  through  endless  Time. 


13*1 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


The  Unsinkable  Ship  of  Democracy 

SAIL  on,  thou  Unsinkable  Ship, 
With  America's  torch  at  thy  bow; 
Go,  visit  the  war-stricken  nations  of  earth 

And  herald  democracy's  vow. 
Ye  Waters,  your  perils  are  past, 

And  though  storms  still  continue  to  rage, 
Less  toll  shall  ye  gather  of  human  life 
To  be  written  on  history's  page. 

Ye  sub-marines,  cease  your  attacks; 

'Twere  futile  to  spend  and  be  spent, 
No  missile  ye  send  on  its  mission  of  death 

Can  now  harm.    Turn  back  and  relent. 
Take  thought  of  the  anguish  you've  left  in  your 
train, 

The  piteous  moans  of  the  dying ; 
The  waves  of  the  ocean  still  echo  their  cry, 

And  the  earth  resounds  with  their  sighing. 

Blood-stained  are  the  waters  you've  ploughed, 
Heartsore  are  the  nations  today, 

[33] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Because  of  your  ruthless,  unspeakable  guilt, 
You  have  filled  the  whole  world  with  dismay. 

Let  your  conscience  awake,  like  the  morn 
After  the  storm-tossed  night.    Be  strong ; 

Awake  to  the  voice  of  Peace  on  Earth 
And  atone  for  your  wanton  wrong. 

Go  weep  with  the  mothers  and  wives, 

The  fathers  and  sisters  and  friends ; 
Go  bind  up  the  wounds  of  the  war-stricken  world 

Where  death  lurks  and  danger  attends. 
Go  search  in  the  fathomless  sea 

For  the  fairest  of  youth  ye  have  slain ; 
Go  search  for  our  seamen  and  sons, 

Let  us  look  on  their  faces  again. 

Go  search  in  the  tombs  and  the  corners  of  earth 

The  far-stretching  field  and  the  fen. 
Go  carry  a  message  to  souls  in  despair 

And  strengthen  the  world-weary  men. 
Is  the  task  too  impossible?    Speak,  Sub-marine, 

Let  the  world  hear  your  answer  today; 
Restitution  may  gain  her  rightful  toll. 

Dare  you  face  it  ?    There 's  no  other  way ! 

The  Unsinkable  Ship  sails  the  seas 
And  meets  you  at  death 's  cruel  zone ; 

[34] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Democracy  sits  at  the  helm  and  speaks  clear 
As  she  crosses  your  pathway  alone. 

Dread  darkness  now  spreads  rounds  the  earth, 
But  Right  will  prevail  —  give  praise ! 

For  the  light  in  the  bow  of  the  ship 
Shall  encircle  the  world  with  her  rays ! 


Facing  the  Future 

LET  us  not  strive  for  pleasure's  chase  alone, 
Nor  let  us  worship  at  the  shrine  of  ease ; 
But  may  we  work  with  this  one  aim :  To  please 
The  Master  Mind;  and  for  misdeeds  atone. 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


From  Pacific  to  Atlantic* 

FROM  Pacific  to  Atlantic 
Votes  for  women  we  shall  see. 
Woman 's  rights  have  long  existed, 

Woman 's  rights  there  '11  always  be. 
She  has  had  a  right  to  struggle, 
She  has  had  a  right  to  pray ; 
She  will  gain  the  right  of  suffrage 
Thru  her  own  efficient  way. 

She  has  battled  for  her  children, 

She  has  made  a  noble  fight; 
She  has  taught  proud  sons  to  love  her, 

Taught  them  only  Right  is  might. 
Now  she  asks  them  to  reward  her 

With  the  right  to  vote  for  right, 
And  to  help  them  in  their  efforts 

Toward  an  upward  onward  flight. 

She  has  shared  the  world's  great  burdens; 
In  past  years  she 's  tilled  the  soil ; 


*This  poem  was  written  in  1914,  and  published  the  same 
year  in  a  suffrage  paper  when  the  state  convention  met  at 
Binghamton,  N.  Y. 

[37] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


She  has  worked  in  field  and  factory, 
Home  and  office  know  her  toil. 

Now  she  asks  the  right  of  franchise 
But  this  protest  loud  we  hear : 

"Women's  rights  are  at  the  hearthstone 
There  to  minister  and  cheer. ' ' 

That  we  hold  is  truth  unquestioned; 

This  appeal  from  sea  to  sea 
Is  for  fairer  law  and  justice 

For  unborn  posterity. 
Thru  long  years  she 's  rocked  the  cradle 

Of  the  nation,  faithfully; 
Now  she  asks  that  her  fair  daughters 

And  her  sons  share  equally. 

From  Pacific  to  Atlantic 

She  is  shaping  destiny 
For  a  better,  broader,  brighter 

And  more  righteous  liberty. 
She  has  won  full  many  a  battle, 

She  has  reared  our  Washingtons ; 
In  the  cause  of  glorious  freedom 

She  has  sacrificed  her  sons. 

From  Pacific  to  Atlantic 
Men  have  praised  her  loyally, 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Though  they've  oft  forgotten  precepts 
Which  she  taught  them  at  her  knee ; 

But,  like  bread  upon  the  waters 
After  many,  many  days, 

They'll  reward  her  thru  allegiance 
To  her  right  and  righteous  ways. 


[39] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


After  Many  Years 

FROM  Atlantic  to  Pacific 
Prohibition  we  shall  see. 
It  has  been  a  hope  long  cherished 

And  an  old-time  prophecy. 
Women's  tears   have   swelled   the   current 

Of  the  slow  on-coming  tide, 
But  there's  brightness  after  darkness 
And  the  rays  spread  far  and  wide. 

From  Atlantic  to  Pacific 

There's  a  death  knell  sounding  clear, 
King  Barleycorn  is  summoned 

And  his  cohorts  crouch  in  fear; 
For  the  voice  of  Prohibition 

Sounds  the  message  of  her  soul 
And  it  echoes  and  re-echoes 

As  it  spreads  from  pole  to  pole. 

From  Atlantic  to  Pacific 

Mothers'  hearts  are  beating  light, 
For  their  sons  will  not  be  hampered  — 

[40] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


As  they  battle  for  the  right  — 
By  the  curse  of  many  ages 

Which  has  held  them  captives,  slaves ; 
Prohibition  comes  with  Progress, 

And  she  planneth  halcyon  days. 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Father's  Day* 

WHILE  the  vogue  is  here  for  the  special 
day, 

Let  us  dedicate  one  to  Father,  pray ! 
Bring  to  him  laurels  his  efforts  have  won ; 
Full  commendation  for  work  he  has  done. 
Give  him  a  part  in  the  frolic  and  fun ; 
Yes,  why  not  a  Father's  day! 

Thoughtless  of  self  in  the  bread  winning  fray, 
How  he  has  toiled  through  the  long  weary  day, 

Why  not  reward  him  with  flowers  and  song  ? 

Why  not  forget  any  long-cherished  wrong? 

Why  not  sound  praises,  withheld,  all  too  long, 
And  welcome  a  Father 's  day  ? 

There  were  many  hardships  along  the  way, 
Father's  heart  was  not  always  light  and  gay. 
Think  of  the  burdens  he  carried  alone 
With  never  complaint  nor  sigh  nor  moan ! 
For  our  neglect  let  us  rightly  atone 
And  unite  in  a  Father's  day ! 


*This  poem  first  appeared  in  a  publication  devoted  entirely 
to  Father.  The  editor  contends  that  Father  has  been  left  out 
of  poetry  and  prose  altogether  too  long.  We  now  have  Mother's 
Day.  When  may  we  hope  to  hear  a  word  of  praise  for  Father? 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


A  Bachelor's  Song 

LONG  gone  are  the  years  when  the  men  wore 
wigs 

And  ribbons  and  ruffles  and  velvet  coats  — 
And  sat  around  polished  tables 

Telling  strange  anecdotes; 
Smoking  their  long-stem,  old-time  pipes 

And  drinking  old-time  wine, 
Ah !  those  were  the  days  of  chivalry 
Recounted  in  rhythm  and  rhyme. 

But  the  times  have  changed,  in  these  latter  days 

There  are  women  and  maidens  —  all  fair, 
With  ribbons  and  ruffles  and  fancy  coats 

And  wonderful,  wonderful  hair! 
And  they  sit  'round  polished  tables, 

Though  the  long-stem  pipe  is  not  there, 
The  cigarette  and  punch-bowl 

Adorn  the  tables  bare. 

0,  where  is  the  old-time  maiden, 

Sans  powder  and  paint  so  fair; 
The  pride  of  the  town  in  her  modest  gown 

[43] 


THE  STAE  OF  GOLD 


And  simple  girlish  hair? 
Why,  she  would  be  laughed  at,  they  tell  me, 

In  this  twentieth  century  whirl  — 
But,  nonsense,  I  say,  I  shall  wait  for  the  day 

I  can  marry  an  old-fashioned  girl. 


|44| 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Recollections 

YE  Hills  of  Wayne,  historic  Hills  of  Wayne, 
Oft  we  recall  thy  vales  and  villages 
Bright 'ning  the  landscape  of  our  famed  New 

York 

And  bringing  joy  and  gladness  to  the  heart 
Of  all  thy  children — fond  and  faithful  heirs. 
We  turn  with  growing  pride  and  veneration 
To  native  fields  where  spring  life's  richest 

blessings. 

In  memory  we  make  a  pilgrimage 
To  towering  hills  and  to  our  sacred  shrine, 
For  there,  perchance,  some  loved  ones  long  since 

gone 
To  that  "far  country"  sanctify  that  hallowed 

place. 

Again  we  linger  there  in  cheerful  faith 
Recalling  childhood  scenes — like  fleeting  clouds 
Now  vaguely  gleaming — then  they  seem  so  close 
We  feel  their  presence,  hear  familiar  voices. 
Some  friend  now  clasps  our  hand,  soul  speaks 

to  soul, 

[45] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


And  in  that  moment  lofty  thoughts  are  born. 
We  vow  anew  allegiance  to  this  soil; 
To  Hills  of  Wayne  and  Walworth,  we  confess 
No  spot  on  earth  is  dearer — none  more  blest. 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


The  Mohawk* 

IN  the  dreamy  Mohawk  valley 
There 's  a  river  running  through, 
Reflecting  skies,  as  silver, 

Blending  opaline  with  blue ; 
And  the  gray-veiled  hills  beyond  it 
Watch  with  wonder,  for  they  see 
This  romantic  Indian  river 
Change,  in  no  uncertainty. 

Yes,  the  hand  of  commerce  threatens 

To  make  straight  its  winding  ways 
And  to  broaden  it  and  deepen! 

Never  more  the  quiet  days, 
Wrapped  in  Nature's  magic  silence 

Shall  we  dream  all  undisturbed 
By  the  shallow,  babbling  waters, 

Soothing  to  the  mind  perturbed. 

Now  we  wander  through  this  valley 
By  the  Mohawk  quaint  and  calm, 


*This  was  written  when  the  great  Barge  Canal  was  being 
built  thru  New  York   State  changing  the  River  Mohawk. 

[47] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


And  a  peace  pervades  the  stillness, 

To  the  weary,  'tis  a  balm! 
Reminiseently  we  tarry 

Where  the  Mohawks  once  did  roam 
And  we  cry  to  commerce,  begging 

She  will  spare  their  one-time  home. 

Here  the  brave,  but  conquered  redman 

Lived  and  loved  his  light  canoe. 
And  the  river  echoes  gently, 

"To  his  memory  keep  me  true!" 
Commerce  answers;   'tis  decisive, 

"Change  must  come  to  hill  and  dale." 
And  before  her  we  are  silent, 

Our  request  will  not  avail. 

Then  a  soundless-voice  reproves  us, 

Chides  us  for  our  narrow  view 
And  we  grasp  the  marvelous  meaning 

As  we  bid  a  fond  "adieu!" 
If  we  care  not  for  these  conquests 

Backward,  backward  we  must  go ; 
For  her  march  is  ever  onward 

Through  the  valley  winding  low — 

Or,  through  mountain  ranges  piercing, 
Rock  and  river  know  her  hand, 

[48] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


It  is  mighty,  and  the  sculptor 
Is  the  Sculptor  of  our  Land. 

Stay  it  not,  0,  dreamer,  lover 
Of  the  ancient,  olden  days, 

For  it  is  the  Hand  of  Progress 
And  it  planneth  well  its  ways. 


[49] 


THE  STAB  OF  GOLD 


Flag  Day  and  the  Mohawk  Heroes* 

LET  us  honor  the  Star  Spangled  Banner, 
Forgetting  its  history  never; 
Nor  the  men  who  stood  firm  for  freedom's  flag; 

Who  fought  with  heroic  endeavor ; 
And  let  us  remember  the  brave  women's  part 
Who,  not  only  gave  those  they  loved  best 
But,  gave  them  the  flag  to  sustain  unto  death ! 
And  endured,  like  heroines,  that  test. 

We  reverence  the  red  for  the  blood  of  the  brave 

And  the  white  for  the  women  and  wives 
Who  in  purity  wrought  the  stars  in  the  blue, 

Let  us  emulate  proudly  those  lives! 
Our  flag  grandly  floats  from  myriad  staffs, 

Speaking  colors  distinctive  and  true; 
Long  may  it  wave  while  millions  of  men 

Vow  allegiance  to  the  red,  white  and  blue! 


*The  above  poem  was  published  August  6,  1914,  when  the 
D.  A.  R.  laid  tablets  marking  the  line  of  march  of  General 
Herkimer  and  his  men,  from  Herkimer,  New  York,  to  Oriskany, 
where  the  Oriskany  Monument  now  stands.  This  marks  the 
battle-ground  of  the  Revolutionary  period,  and  a  turning  point 
in  the  war. 


[50] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


"We  welcome  this  day  with  a  two-fold  pride 

As  the  Mohawk  is  famed  far  and  near, 
It  gave  us  the  bravest  of  warriors 

Who  faced  carnage  and  death  without  fear. 
We  cherish  the  time  General  Herkimer 

Summoned  his  men  from  their  near  rendez 

vous 
To  Oriskany's  fields  where,  August  sixth, 

They  fought  for  the  red,  white  and  blue. 

Long  gone  are  the  years  since  that  clarion  call 

Bade  them  march  to  the  fife  and  drum, 
But  gratitude  keeps  it  fresh  to-day, 

And  with  homage  the  D.  A.  R.  come 
To  mark  the  path  of  those  valiant  men, 

With  tablets  and  praise  for  deeds  done, 
Which  gave  to  our  Nation  —  the  home  of  the 
free  — 

Old  Glory  —  so  gloriously  won  ! 

—  near-bat 


[51] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Utica's  Pageant 

A  Review  by  One  of  the  Participants. 

NOW  when  the  pageant  is  ended, 
When  the  scenes  of  Old  Home  Week  are 

o'er, 
And  we  're  back  in  our  own  quiet  quarters, 

And  seated  at  leisure  once  more ; 
We  recall,  with  a  smile  reminiscent, 

Our  friends  in  their  make-up  so  quaint, 

Transformed  by  their  old-fashioned  costumes, 

Their  wigs  or  their  gew-gaws  and  paint. 

We  dance  with  the  Queen  of  the  Forest, 

The  Spirit  of  Waters  and  Trees, 
The  nymphs  and  the  sprites  and  the  red-men — 

Long,  long  we  '11  remember  all  these ! 
And  now  the  Five  Nations  are  gathered; 

Hiawatha,  the  peacemaker,  comes, 
Behold,  we  then  see  Minnehaha, 

And  hear  once  again  the  tom-toms. 

[52] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


As  we  look,  there  appears  Father  Jogues, 

Uplifting  the  cross  as  of  old, 
And  the  Indians  gather  around  him, 
While  the  sweetest  of  stories  is  told. 
Look  again  and  we  see  Peter  Schuyler, 

And  the  Palatine  Germans  —  so  blonde ; 
We  listen  to  songs  of  Thanksgiving, 

Uniting  in  one  common  bond. 

Now  a  shrill  note  of  cavalry  music  — 

Oriskany  's  battle  is  heard ! 
The  Mohawk  resounds  with  the  echo, 
And  the  souls  of  her  children  are  stirred  — 
As  Herkimer  falls  from  his  saddle, 

And  carnage  and  death  claim  the  field, 
Brave  indeed  are  those  troops  in  the  conflict, 

As  the  horrors  of  war  are  revealed ! 

The  wierd  cry  of  ' '  Oonah ! "  is  sounded  • — 

History  here  takes  an  epochal  turn; 
Soon,  fewer  and  fewer  the  camp-fires 

Of  the  tribes  of  the  Iroquois  burn ! 
We  linger  with  pride  at  Fort  Schuyler  • — 

The  Post  Tavern  life  buoys  us  up ; 
We  welcome  the  time-honored  stage-coach, 

And  with  Baron  Steuben  we  now  Bup. 

[53] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Old  Hamilton  College  is  founded, 

While  the  populace  gathers  around, 
And  memory  wakes  from  her  slumbers, 

As  we  hallow  this  sacred  ground ! 
A  city  of  fame  is  evolving  • — 

The  chorus  swells  loud  in  its  praise 
Of  old  Utica's  rich,  classic  splendor, 

As  the  picture  presents  ' '  Ancient  Days. ' ' 

A  dance  of  the  Orient  follows, 

With  its  mystical  measures  so  old ; 
Now  the  Spirit  of  Ancient  Eeligion 

And  tableaux  before  us  unfold. 
With  thunder  of  hoofs  in  the  distance, 

The  Arabs  sweep  up  the  ravine, 
And  startle  the  dwellers,  who  vanish  — 

As  New  Utica  comes  on  the  scene ! 

Welsh  music  is  heard  through  the  forest, 

And  lovers  appear  with  their  friends ; 
A  wedding  is  solemnized  quaintly  — 

We  applaud  as  the  episode  ends. 
The  years  roll  along,  and  distinguished, 

Brave  LaFayette  stirs  all  our  hearts ; 
Judge  Williams  and  others  now  toast  him, 

And  amid  great  applause  he  departs. 

[54] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


History's  Muse  hurries  on  with  precision  — 

"Abolition  Days"  follows  this  scene: 
Susan  Anthony,  Smith  and  Fred  Douglas, 

Rev.  May  and  the  good  Brother  Green, 
With  others,  attempt  a  convention, 

But  a  mob  interferes  with  their  plan  ; 
Mayor  Grove,  as  the  people  grew  frantic, 

To  the  aid  of  Miss  Anthony  ran. 

They  disperse  with  wild  jeering  and  uproar ; 

' '  Bill ' '  Dunn  now  appears  with  the  mail, 
And    two    negroes,    concealed     'mongst    the 
pouches, 

Jump  out,  just  as  in  the  old  tale ; 
To  the  "Underground  Railroad"  they're  hur 
ried — 

The  Civil  War  follows,  and  then, 
After  years  of  hard  struggle,  our  soldiers 

Return  to  their  loved  ones  again. 

Prosperity  follows  our  city  — 

In  beauty  the  pageant  portrays 
The  chief  episodes  of  her  history, 

And  recalls  all  those  soul-stirring  days. 

[55] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


The  sun  spreads  its  beams  o  'er  the  hillside  — 
The  finale  includes  the  whole  cast, 

And  before  it  and  through  it,  tho'  soundless, 
Miss  Eager 's  voice  rings  to  the  last ! 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Jamestown  College 

Far,  far  away  have  our  alumni  gone 
To  China  and  the  distant  Philippines, 
To  far-off  India's  plains  and  mountain  peaks 
Our  youth  have  found  their  mission  fields ; 
Like  followers  of  the  Master  they  have  gone 
Where  'er  the  call  of  duty  beckoned  them 
And  when  the  great  war  called,  our  sons  re 
sponded. 

Four  Stars  of  Gold  have  we  mid  scores  of  blue. 
These  men  went  forth  with  J.  C.  loyal  spirit ; 
Some  answered  to  Life's  last  faint  bugle  call 
And  lie  in  Flanders  fields.    But  some  returned 
And  to  their  Alma  Mater  brought  their  trophies. 
All  honor  to  the  ones  who  bravely  died, 
And  honor  to  the  ones  who  bravely  live 
To  ' '  carry  on ' '  the  work  of  Peace  on  Earth. 
Long  may  this  college  sound  her  clarion  note 
Long  may  her  sons  and  daughters  sound  her 

praises, 

And  with  the  coming  years,  God  grant 
To  those  who  toiled  to  make  the  college  great, 
A  joy  which  overshadows  all  the  pain 
That  follows  in  the  train  of  sacrifice. 
[57] 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Pictures  From  College  Hill 
MORNING 

AND  still  the  silver  moon  is  shining, 
Brightly  it  gleams  with  Jupiter  close  fol 
lowing. 

Aurora  paints  the  eastern  skies  deep  golden 
"With  gorgeous,  pristine  tones  and  radiant  hues 
Which  are  reflected  from  a  thousand  windows 
In  the  river  valley  just  below  our  campus. 
Slowly  the  curling  smoke  from  many  chimneys 
Blends  with  the  misty,  hazy  atmosphere. 
And  like  low-hanging  clouds  obscure  the  distant 

view. 

The  gray-veiled  hills  beyond  now  dimly  clear 
And  catch  the  early  morning's  glist'ning  rays 
Which  scintillate  across  the  wakening  city. 
The  day  begins.    And  we  with  one  accord 
Unite  our  voices  in  a  common  song 
Of  gratitude  for  all  life 's  varied  blessings. 

EVENING 

The  western  sky  reflects  the  brightest  coloring. 
Matchless  the  artist  of  this  vivid  picture ! 

[58] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Nor  all  the  world  could  boast  a  scene  more 

brilliant. 

The  city  lights  below  begin  their  vigil, 
Like  misplaced  stars  they  vie  with  those  above ; 
And  to  the  weary  heart  or  troubled  mind 
They  prove  a  benediction,  even  more, 
An  inspiration,  guiding,  leading  on — 
All  doubt  and  fear  and  loneliness  dispelling. 
And  we  again  give  fervent,  silent  praise; 
For  scenes  like  these  will  ever  live  in  memory. 
Go  where  we  will  to  mountain  peaks  or  plains, 
To  distant  shores  of  ocean  or  Cathay, 
No  landscape  there,  no  skies  however  bright 
Could  match  the  brightness  of  our  college  days. 


I59J 


THE  STAR  OF  GOLD 


Prairie  Flowers 

THERE'S  a  love  in  my  heart  for  the  furry- 
like  crocus* 

Which  comes  to  us  out  of  the  snows ; 
As  the  sun  after  rain  it  brightens  and  cheers 
And  is  loved  like  the  prairie  rose. 

There 's  a  love  in  my  heart  for  the  deep  purple 
iris 

Which  blooms  in  the  early  spring  days ; 
With  profound  adoration  I  make  my  obeisance 

To  the  Goddess  of  Flowers  and  Mays ! 

There's  a  song  in  my  heart  for  the  pink  wild 
rose 

Which  blossoms  on  hillside  or  plain, 
Flora  chose  June  for  the  time  of  the  year 

When  this  queen  of  the  prairie  shall  reign. 

There's  a  love  in  my  heart  for  the  unnamed 
flowers 

Which  greet  us  wherever  we  go; 
And  tho '  winds  of  Dakota  blow  eerie  or  strong 

They  scatter  the  seeds,  you  know. 

*  The  local  name  "crocus"  is  given  to  the  Pasque  flower, 
which  is  the  first  spring  blossom.  There  are  many  beautiful 
and  interesting  Indian  legends  in  regard  to  the  Pasque  flower. 

[60] 


AND  OTHER  POEMS 


Life's  Storms 

BLOW,  ye  winds,  blow  from  south,  north, 
east  or  west, 

Eerie  or  fierce,  low-sighing  or  distressed; 
Blow,  ye  winds,  blow,  thy  voice  speaks  forth  thy 

sorrow, 

But  rest  will  come  on  wing  of  some  tomorrow, 
Blow,  ye  winds,  blow ! 

Blow,  ye  winds,  blow!  but  bring  me  some  rare 

blossom, 

Or  fill  the  air  with  perfume  as  ye  go ; 
Bring  to  my  heart  the  spirit  of  endurance 
And  leave  me  with  some  warmth  of  after-glow. 
Blow,  ye  winds,  blow ! 

I  '11  sigh  with  thee,  then  turn  my  sigh  to  singing, 
Just  as  the  lark's  first  song  began  in  pain; 
Blow,  ye  winds,  blow,  to  me  thou  art  but  bringing 
Strength  to  sustain  me  when  sorrow  comes  again. 
Blow,  ye  winds,  blow ! 


[61] 


THE   STAR  OF  GOLD 


Blow,  ye  winds,  blow,  but  keep  the  graces  near 

me; 
Keep  safe  the  homes  of  Faith  and  Hope  and 

Love. 

Let  no-  debris  becloud  their  sacred  windows, 
But  may  God's  sunshine  pierce  the  clouds  above. 
Blow,  ye  winds,  blow. 

Though  storms  may  rage,  keep  friendship's  bark 

still  sailing 

Upon  the  Sea  of  Destiny,  oh  Time, 
And  may  she  bring  me  treasures  I  shall  cherish ; 
Through  God's  eternal  grace  and  love  sublime, 
Blow,  all  ye  winds ! 


[62] 


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Los  Angeles 
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